How to make your Christmas bonus go further

If so, do you already know where that money is going? Or have you already used it on a gift for that special someone... or on the Christmas dinner with your group of friends?

If the answer was "yes" to everything, you're far from alone... But what if we told you that this extra income can do much more for you, especially for your personal finances.

In this guide, we show you several smart ways to apply your Christmas bonus, which can bring added value in the future!

Do you have credits? Start here!

Take the opportunity to pay off the debts you have on hand, whether they are from personal credit or a credit card. This way, you can reduce the monthly payment, decrease the interest amount to be paid by the end of the contract, and maintain a clean history on the Banco de Portugal's Responsibility Map.

If you have doubts about how it works, you can talk to one of our credit managers, without obligation.

Mortgage: pay off with the bonus

The temporary exemption from the amortization commission on variable rate credits ended on December 31, 2025. Today, the bank can charge up to 0.5% of the amortized capital at a variable rate and up to 2% at a fixed rate — no commission when the repayment is due to death, unemployment, or professional relocation. Check your contract for the amount they charge you.

Strengthen your emergency fund

You've probably heard of this, but it's always worth reinforcing. An emergency fund is a savings that should equal between 3 and 6 months of your monthly expenses. Ideally, keep it in a savings account with easy access and immediate liquidity, so you can use it if an unforeseen event arises, for example, in case of unemployment or illness.

Therefore, consider allocating a percentage of your Christmas bonus to your emergency fund, it's an easy way to see it grow.

Start or strengthen your financial investments

We know that the world of investments can be confusing and intimidating. If you're starting, there are products with less risk and low amounts, such as term deposits, savings certificates, or capitalization insurance where the capital is not exposed to the market. A PPR can be constituted in the form of insurance, without exposure of the capital to the market, or as an investment fund, exposed to the market and with risk of loss — check which one it is before subscribing.

In fact, the right option depends on your situation! Whether you already have active financial investments or are just starting in this world. And, above all, it will depend on your investor profile, that is, your aversion or tolerance to risk, the time you intend to invest, the knowledge you have in the area, and the diversity of assets you already have.

In general, remember that short-term financial investments without market exposure result in a low return, unlike those where capital volatility is present, but they also bring more associated risk.

Investing in yourself is a good deal

Take advantage of this extra income to finally take the training you've been postponing or to develop the personal project that was left in the drawer. Or even acquire more expensive work tools.

Ensure you can meet your expenses

Each of us has our priorities, but it's very likely that you'll find something on this list that deserves your attention. So, why not take advantage of part of the Christmas bonus to already cross off some expenses from your list?

• IUC
• IMI
• Insurance (health, car, etc.)
• Tuition fees

Whether the Christmas bonus has already been deposited in your account or not, what matters is that now you know more ways to make the most of it, beyond gifts and dinners.

And, when in doubt, choose your financial freedom and, above all, be truly present with those you love most this Christmas!

See you soon, Carolina Francisco